Joulu Helsingissä on Pienten Helsinki

Helsinki's Islands: Uunisaari

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:34:57 +0200

Helsinki's Islands is a series of easy island destinations to visit with children. The series introduces favorites from the Little Helsinki background team around Helsinki. Uunisaari is a small rocky island in front of Kaivopuisto.

This article was first published in 2023.

Update November 2025:
A pontoon bridge for pedestrians will be installed again from Merisatama wharf to Northern
Uunisaari on Monday 17.11.2025 (the bridge will be in use by Monday at the latest at 2 PM) and will be removed on 15.4.2026.

Other parts of the Helsinki's Islands article series

Uunisaari in front of Kaivopuisto is an easily accessible excursion destination from autumn to spring (November-April), when a pontoon bridge runs from Merisatamanranta on Ehrenströmintie to Uunisaari. The walking bridge is removed around mid-April so that boat traffic from Kaivopuisto can pass by the island. During the summer season, Uunisaari is accessible a short boat ride away, and a shuttle service between the island and mainland charges a small fee for the journey. Visiting Uunisaari is also possible and worthwhile in summer, as the island has beautiful rocky shores perfect for picnicking, as well as a municipally maintained swimming beach. The beach also has some playground equipment for children, though its condition and quantity decrease year after year.

Sledding Hills in Helsinki and the Greater Helsinki Area

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0200

Looking for a sledding hill? Weather permitting, the Helsinki region and surrounding areas have some wonderful places for sledding. Helsinki's only official sledding hill can be found at the Paloheinä outdoor recreation area, while evaluating other hills for sledding purposes is always the responsibility of the sledder. But what do you think is the best sledding hill in the greater Helsinki area? The favorite spot of the Little Helsinki team can be found in the stunning national landscapes of Porvoo!

Museums with Children in Helsinki

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 10:52:32 +0200

Museum Experiences in Helsinki and Surrounding Area

For those looking for indoor activities and on rainy days, many museums in Helsinki and the surrounding area are excellent places to spend time and experience something new. Many museums have thoughtfully accommodated young visitors, and for example, you can move around with strollers and carriages in the exhibitions. Many museums also have quite functional care rooms as well as places to eat packed lunches.

Please note that many museums are closed on Mondays! However, not the Helsinki City Museum, Tram Museum, Merkki, TAHTO, and Amos Rex (Amos Rex is closed on Tuesdays).

Where to go this week? January 5-11, 2026

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 21:30:57 +0200

Where to go with children in Helsinki? What child-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly Where to go this week series finds tips and suggests child-friendly events and activities in Helsinki and the surrounding area.

The cover image of the article is from Lux Helsinki, which starts on Tuesday and continues until Sunday. In Lastenlehdon park, a Twist & Shine artwork will be built specifically for children, where you can create your own artwork from glowing blocks.
The cover image rights are owned by Lux Helsinki / Helsinki Events Foundation.

New Year 2026 - Events and Fireworks

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 21:45:10 +0200

New Year celebrations and fireworks in Helsinki and the capital region for families on 31.12.2025

What to do and where to go with children on New Year's Eve? Where are fireworks being held? Pienten Helsinki lists fireworks as well as tips and ideas for what children and families can do and experience during New Year's time in Helsinki and the capital region.

Article cover image: Dan Acher: Borealis - a light art work will be seen on New Year's Eve at Tapiola's Ice Garden. The same work was seen at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium during the 2022 Lux Helsinki event, from which this image is from.

Where to Go This Christmas Week? Christmas to Epiphany 2025

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:14:52 +0200

Activity tips from Christmas to Epiphany 22.12.2025-6.1.2026 in the Helsinki metropolitan area for families with children seeking adventures

The Little Helsinki Christmas to Epiphany article offers versatile event tips and ideas for independent activities in Helsinki between Christmas and New Year 22.12.2025-6.1.2026. In other words, what to do and where to go with children in Helsinki and the surrounding area during Christmas and New Year's time.

Little Helsinki wishes you a wonderful and peaceful Christmas!

This article replaces the regular Where to Go This Week tips for the Christmas week and days between New Year due to the small number of actual events.

Merry Christmas!

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 08:47:15 +0200

It's time to give thanks for this year and wish all our little friends a wonderful and peaceful Christmas season!

Behind the link below you'll find Little Helsinki's Christmas gift for all of you: with a printable gift card you can promise your little ones, friends, relatives, neighbors, or anyone special new exciting adventures for next year! This intangible gift creates memories and promises quality time together, and what could be better than that. A visit to a new playground, a forest adventure together, spotting fun sculptures with friends, or a museum trip with the whole family are the best and most unforgettable Christmas gifts!

Where to go this Christmas week? 15.-21.12.2025

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 23:08:13 +0200

Where to go with children in Helsinki? What child-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series finds tips and highlights family-friendly events and activities in Helsinki and the surrounding area.

The article's cover image is from the Winter Garden's Christmas celebrations.

Current highlights

The Winter Garden is once again full of Christmas spirit! Note! Closed on Fridays! Free entry.

Want more visibility for your event at Pienten Helsinki? Read more about our media kit!
Want to go ice skating? Our wish list article about public skating times at ice halls in the Helsinki metropolitan area has been updated!
Outdoor ice rinks now open in Helsinki include Oulunkylä, Johanneksenkentän, Kontula and Lassilna outdoor ice rinks, as well as the Lauttasaari ice skating area. In Espoo, for example, the Tapiola ice garden is open. Current condition information for the rinks can be found on the ulkoliikunta.fi map service.
The bridge to Uunisaari has opened and the island is once again easily accessible for adventures!
Read more about Pienten Helsinki's Uunisaari feature article!
Pienten Suomi - over 1000 reasons to explore Finland with children!
Lighthouse Keeper's Route at Suomenlinna from 28.11.2025 to 29.1.2026. You can get a map of the Lighthouse Keeper's Route from the Suomenlinna Visitor Centre, located in the light pink Rantakasarmi building near the HSL ferry dock.

MLL's Family House Unikko (Unikkotie 8, Pukinmäki) is an open meeting place for families and children aged 0-12. Read more on the family house's Facebook page!
MLL's family café schedule can be found on MLL Uusimaa's website.
All of Pienten Helsinki's playground tips can be found via this link!
New! The playground at Haakoninlahdenpuisto in Kruunuvuorenranta and the playground at Säätytalon puistikko in Kruunuhaka have opened!
Museum tips for visits with children can be read in Pienten Helsinki's feature article!
Museum passes for the Natural History Museum or admission tickets to Korkeasaari can also be borrowed from the library! From Viiki Library you can borrow an admission ticket to the Natural History Museum. From Kalasatama Library you can borrow an admission ticket to Korkeasaari Zoo.

Porvoo: Children's Art Hall at Porvoo Art Hall in the Art Factory spaces from 12.9.2025 to 13.1.2026. Open according to Art Hall opening hours. Free entry.

MONDAY 15.12.2025

Events and activities

At the playground Loru in Central Library Oodi, Monday's program:
- 10.30–11.15 Loru's games for children over 1 year old
- 13–13.30 Kukkuluuruu baby time session
Helmet library's events for children can be found on Helmet's events page.
Dance and play workshop for toddlers (ages 1–3) and their parents at Caisa on Monday at 9.15 am and 10.15 am. Free entry, first 12 participants welcome.
Thomas Market on Senate Square from 28.11. to 22.12.2025. This year the market also has a free carousel! Free entry.
Vantaa: Vantaa Christmas Market on Tikkurila Square from 6.-21.12.2025. Vantaa's Christmas market also has a carousel! Free entry.
HELSINKI MUSEUMS open on Mondays include the Marks and Pippi Longstocking exhibition, Helsinki City Museum and Children's City, Tram Museum, TAHTO and Amos Rex. More museum tips for visits with children can be found in Pienten Helsinki's feature article!

TUESDAY 16.12.2025

Events and activities

At the playground Loru in Central Library Oodi, Tuesday's program:
- 10.30–11 Loru moves, gentle movement for parents with babies (0-9 months)
- 13–13.30 In Loru's warmth baby time session
- 15–15.30 I Ramsans värme, musik, rim och ramsor för bebisar
Helmet library's events for children can be found on Helmet's events page.
Haltiala farm's petting farm opens to the public again with Christmas spirit. The petting farm is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-1pm and Saturdays and Sundays 10am-2pm from 16.12.2025 to 4.1.2026 (excluding Christmas holidays). Free entry.
Kindergarten Museum is open Tuesdays 12pm-7pm. Small entrance fee.
Art for toddlers workshop (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Centre (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Tuesdays 1:30pm-3:30pm. The workshops are suitable for children aged 1.5–3 years with their own adult. No advance registration required, free entry. You can participate for the full duration or just drop in.
Thomas Market on Senate Square from 28.11. to 22.12.2025. This year the market also has a free carousel! Free entry.

WEDNESDAY 17.12.2025

Events and activities

At the playground Loru in Central Library Oodi, Wednesday's program:
- 10:30–11:30 Loru enchanted, play and sensory experiences for all ages
- 13–14:30 Loru enchanted, play and sensory experiences for all ages
Helmet library's events for children can be found on Helmet's events page.
Fire Museum at Erottaja Fire Station is open Wednesdays 12pm-4pm. Small entrance fee.
Kindergarten Museum is open Tuesdays 12pm-7pm. Small entrance fee.
Last week! Espoo: Finland's largest model railway is on display in Tapiola, Espoo, in the Länsituuli shopping center on the 1st floor, next to Ainoa shopping center. Open Wednesdays and Fridays 2pm-6pm, Saturdays 11am-5pm and Sundays 12pm-4pm. Free entry.
Family House Unikko's traditional Christmas path in Unikko's courtyard in Pukinmäki on Wednesday from 4pm-7pm. Free entry.
Thomas Market on Senate Square from 28.11. to 22.12.2025. This year the market also has a free carousel! Free entry.
Vantaa: Vantaa Christmas Market on Tikkurila Square from 6.-21.12.2025. Vantaa's Christmas market also has a carousel! Free entry.

Want more visibility for your event at Pienten Helsinki?
Read more about our media kit!

THURSDAY 18.12.2025

Events and activities

At the playground Loru in Central Library Oodi, Thursday's program:
- 10:30–11 Loru moves, jumps and dances for parents and babies
- 13–13:30 Loru's songs, bilingual music session for all ages (Finnish-Swedish)
Helmet library's events for children can be found on Helmet's events page.
Haltiala farm's petting farm opens to the public again with Christmas spirit. The petting farm is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-1pm and Saturdays and Sundays 10am-2pm from 16.12.2025 to 4.1.2026 (excluding Christmas holidays). Free entry.
Art for toddlers workshops (Open Studio for Toddlers Workshops) at Caisa Cultural Centre (Kaikukatu 4 B) on Thursdays 10am-12pm. The workshops are suitable for children aged 1.5–3 years with their own adult. No advance registration required, free entry. You can participate for the full duration or just drop in.
Lovisa's Christmas puppet theatre performance at Kallio Library on Thursday at 6pm. Free entry.
University of Helsinki Observatory on Tähtitorninmäki is open Thursdays 12pm–8pm. Museum entrance fee.
Thomas Market on Senate Square from 28.11. to 22.12.2025. This year the market also has a free carousel! Free entry.

FRIDAY 19.12.2025

Events and activities

At the playground Loru in Central Library Oodi, Friday's program:
- 1:30pm–3pm Loru's Christmas party at Maijansali on Oodi 1st floor
Helmet library's events for children can be found on Helmet's events page.
Stuffed animals' Christmas night at Malminkartano Library. Stuffed animals are accepted on Friday 9am-4pm. Your own stuffed animal can be picked up at home on Monday 22.12. from 9am-8pm.
University of Helsinki Observatory on Tähtitorninmäki is open Fridays 12pm–4pm. Museum entrance fee.
Thomas Market on Senate Square from 28.11. to 22.12.2025. This year the market also has a free carousel! Free entry.
Last week! Espoo: Finland's largest model railway is on display in Tapiola, Espoo, in the Länsituuli shopping center on the 1st floor, next to Ainoa shopping center. Open Wednesdays and Fridays 2pm-6pm, Saturdays 11am-5pm and Sundays 12pm-4pm. Free entry.
Vantaa: Aviation Museum's free evenings on Friday 4pm-8pm.
Tapanila Living Christmas Calendar: A Christmas Story Moment at Tapanila village farm on Friday at 6:30pm. Free entry.

SATURDAY 20.12.2025

Events and activities

Helmet library's events for children can be found on Helmet's events page.
Haltiala farm's petting farm opens to the public again with Christmas spirit. The petting farm is open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-1pm and Saturdays and Sundays 10am-2pm from 16.12.2025 to 4.1.2026 (excluding Christmas holidays). Free entry.
Espoo: Christmas spirit at manor museum Glims on Saturday 10am-4pm. Museum entrance fee.
Espoo: Axxell Överby Christmas markets at Marketanpuisto on Saturday and Sunday 11am-3pm. Free entry, parking fee 2 €.

Last week! Espoo: Finland's largest model railway is on display in Tapiola, Espoo, in the Länsituuli shopping center on the 1st floor, next to Ainoa shopping center. Open Wednesdays and Fridays 2pm-6pm, Saturdays 11am-5pm and Sundays 12pm-4pm. Free entry.
Teurastamo Christmas Markets on Saturday and Sunday 11am-6pm. Free entry.
University of Helsinki Observatory on Tähtitorninmäki is open Saturdays 12pm–4pm. Museum entrance fee.
Vantaa: Free guided tours for families at the "Ikikallio's Stories" exhibition at Vantaa City Museum on Saturday at 1pm. Free entry.
HSK Helsingfors Skridskoklubb rf - Helsinki Skating Club celebrates its 150th anniversary at Johanneksenkentän on Saturday 3pm–5pm. Bring your own ice skates! Free entry.
Philomela's family Christmas - Stars' Journey concert at Temppeliaukio Church on Saturday at 5pm. Tickets 20 €, under 18s free.
Thomas Market on Senate Square from 28.11. to 22.12.2025. This year the market also has a free carousel! Free entry.
Vantaa: Vantaa Christmas Market on Tikkurila Square from 6.-21.12.2025. Vantaa's Christmas market also has a carousel! Free entry.
Porvoo: Porvoo Christmas Path brings joy to the downtown area with colorful carousels and interesting vendors as well as experiences from 29.11.-21.12.2025. Open Wednesdays to Sundays 11am-7pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Free entry.
Porvoo: Children's Art Hall at Porvoo Art Hall in the Art Factory spaces from 12.9.2025 to 13.1.2026. Open according to Art Hall opening hours. Free entry.

SUNDAY 21.12.2025

Winter solstice, the shortest day of the year

A Christmas Adventure at the Winter Garden

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 22:47:14 +0200

This article was first published in December 2024.

Where can you find Helsinki's best picnic spot during the winter season? Warmth and light even during the dark times of year? Well, just north of Töölönlahti Bay, from the warmth of the Winter Garden beneath palm trees and banana plants! The Winter Garden is the city's hidden gem, and it's definitely worth visiting with children too!

The Winter Garden is always wonderful, and really perhaps one of Helsinki's most beautiful places. And since entry is free and it's almost always open (closed on Fridays when the plants and fish are tended to), it's easy to pop in multiple times or spend longer there. There's no café at the Winter Garden, so you can bring your own packed lunch, which you can enjoy at tables in the greenhouses while listening to the sound of the waterfall and admiring the garden's hundreds of plants. Kids especially love the carp swimming in the garden's pond and the large spiky cacti.

Where to go this Christmas week? 8.-14.12.2025

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 23:43:07 +0200

Where to go with children in Helsinki? What child-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly events and activities in Helsinki and the surrounding area.

This article contains a commercial collaboration advertisement.

Article cover image: Saint Lucy's Day is celebrated on Saturday. Photo from a shop window display in Etu-Töölö from a few years ago.

Where to go this Christmas week? 1.-7.12.2025

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 22:15:48 +0200

Where to go with children in Helsinki? What kid-friendly activities can you find in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series searches for activity tips and recommends child-friendly events and things to do in Helsinki and the surrounding area.

Cover image of the article: The Christmas windows of Stockmann department store in central Helsinki have been taken over by the Moomins! The Christmas window can be found at the corner of Aleksanterinkatu and Keskuskatu.

Independence Day 2025

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:23:35 +0200

What to do and where to go with children on Independence Day 2025? Finland's Independence Day and Finland's 108th birthday celebration takes place on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Independence Day causes changes in many places' opening hours and for example most libraries are closed. Little Helsinki collects tips and events for families celebrating Independence Day in Helsinki and the metropolitan area.

Little Helsinki congratulates 108-year-old Finland and wishes everyone a happy Independence Day!

Where to go this week? November 24-30, 2025

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 23:26:28 +0200

Where to go with children in Helsinki? What child-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series searches for activity tips and highlights family-friendly events and activities in Helsinki and the surrounding area.

This article contains a commercial partnership advertisement and activity suggestion.

Article cover image: Tuomas Markets open at Senate Square on Friday.

Advertisement / Commercial partnership with Greta Production.

Where to go this week? 17.-23.11.2025

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 22:33:51 +0200

Where to go with children in Helsinki? What child-friendly activities can be found in Helsinki this week? Pienten Helsinki's weekly "Where to go this week" series searches for activity tips and recommends family-friendly events and things to do in Helsinki and the surrounding area.

This article contains commercial partnership advertisements and activity tips.

Advertisement / Commercial partnership with Vantaa Art Museum Artsi.

Vantaa Art Museum Artsi's children's Saturday invites the whole family to explore, create art, and have fun in the world of fantasy and art on Saturday 22.11. between 12-15!

What to Do? Tips for Boring Days

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 23:19:41 +0200

What could we do today? Ideas for days when it would be nice to go somewhere together. Twenty easy and free destinations in Helsinki with children.

The "What to do today" tips have been created based on our own needs: we often wonder on Sunday mornings with sleepy eyes what on earth we could do today and where to go, but coming up with ideas feels challenging and all the nice places are forgotten.

The list has been compiled from easy places where you can drop by without major planning or advance preparation. All the places on the list also have free access and are open mostly very widely. This is a list you should return to again and again! The map at the end of the article makes navigation easier and also shows what activities can be found in nearby areas.

Ice skating at ice rinks

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 14:18:15 +0200

Where are public ice skating sessions held at ice rinks in the Helsinki metropolitan area during the 2025-2026 season?

Public ice skating sessions open to everyone are organized at ice rinks in Helsinki and the capital region. Pienten Helsinki brings together tips for public skating sessions at ice rinks in one article. Public skating sessions are free for visitors.

Article updated 8.2.2026. Note! Changes to the sessions!

Please note, however, that weekly changes are possible, so the latest information should ALWAYS be checked from the ice rink's booking calendar or by calling the ice rink.

Helsinki's Secrets

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 23:58:25 +0200

Helsinki's Secrets Through Children's Eyes

The Helsinki's Secrets story introduces unique places, experiences, and things you can only experience in Helsinki. Many of these secrets are things few people know about or that guarantee an unforgettable experience. The story offers tips for family-friendly secrets all around Helsinki!

Fan Mailboxes for Icebreakers

The harbor home of the large icebreakers Urho, Kontio, Sisu, and Voima is located in Katajanokka, and you can admire the ships from behind the fence at the harbor. But did you know you can leave fan mail for the icebreakers in Katajanokka? There are four fun mailboxes by the harbor pier where you can leave drawings of the ships, for example. Near the icebreaker pier, you'll also find a coast guard station and a playground.

Free Activities for Kids in Helsinki

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:03:39 +0200

What free activities are available for kids in Helsinki? Where can children get in for free and how can you enjoy a city vacation on a small budget in Helsinki? This article on free activities in Helsinki offers ideas from a child's perspective.

The article's cover image is from the Winter Garden.

This article was first published in 2023.

Museums Where Under 18s Get In Free

Media Museum Merkki (formerly the Newspaper Museum) has free admission for everyone.
Helsinki City Museum and Children's City on the side of Senate Square always have free admission for all ages.
Tram Museum in Töölö has free admission for everyone.
Ruiskumestarin House in Kruununkala can be visited for free.
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum has free admission for under 18s. Seurasaari Open-Air Museum opens again on 15.5.2025. You can freely explore Seurasaari year-round for free; there is only an admission fee for the museum buildings. Also remember Pukkisaari, halfway across the Seurasaari bridge!
National Museum has free admission for under 18s. The museum is closed for major renovations.
HAM Helsinki in Kamppi, under 18s get in free.
Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum has free admission for under 18s.
Ateneum has free admission for under 18s.
Design Museum on Korkeavuorenkatu has free admission for under 18s.
Amos Rex in Lasipalatsio offers art experiences free of charge for under 18s.
Hotel and Restaurant Museum at Kaapelitehdas has free admission for under 18s.
Many home museums also have free admission. For example, Amos Anderson's Home Museum, ~~Mannerheim's Home~~ under renovation! (under 12s free) and Art House Kirpilä. Please note the different opening hours and other possible special arrangements.
Also remember museums' free admission days!

Please note that many museums are closed on Mondays! However, not the Helsinki City Museum, Tram Museum, Media Museum Merkki, TAHTO, or Amos Rex (closed on Tuesdays).

Joulu Helsingissä on Pienten Helsinki

Helsinki's Islands: Uunisaari

Update November 2025:A pontoon bridge for pedestrians will be installed again from Merisatama wharf to NorthernUunisaari on Monday 17.11.2025 (the bridge will be in use by Monday at the latest at 2 PM) and will be removed on 15.4.2026.

Other parts of the Helsinki's Islands article series

Sledding Hills in Helsinki and the Greater Helsinki Area

Museums with Children in Helsinki

Museum Experiences in Helsinki and Surrounding Area

Where to go this week? January 5-11, 2026

New Year 2026 - Events and Fireworks

New Year celebrations and fireworks in Helsinki and the capital region for families on 31.12.2025

Where to Go This Christmas Week? Christmas to Epiphany 2025

Activity tips from Christmas to Epiphany 22.12.2025-6.1.2026 in the Helsinki metropolitan area for families with children seeking adventures

Merry Christmas!

It's time to give thanks for this year and wish all our little friends a wonderful and peaceful Christmas season!

Where to go this Christmas week? 15.-21.12.2025

Current highlights

MONDAY 15.12.2025

Events and activities

TUESDAY 16.12.2025

Events and activities

WEDNESDAY 17.12.2025

Events and activities

Want more visibility for your event at Pienten Helsinki? Read more about our media kit!

THURSDAY 18.12.2025

Events and activities

FRIDAY 19.12.2025

Events and activities

SATURDAY 20.12.2025

Events and activities

SUNDAY 21.12.2025

A Christmas Adventure at the Winter Garden

Where to go this Christmas week? 8.-14.12.2025

Where to go this Christmas week? 1.-7.12.2025

Independence Day 2025

Where to go this week? November 24-30, 2025

Where to go this week? 17.-23.11.2025

What to Do? Tips for Boring Days

Ice skating at ice rinks

Where are public ice skating sessions held at ice rinks in the Helsinki metropolitan area during the 2025-2026 season?

Helsinki's Secrets

Helsinki's Secrets Through Children's Eyes

Fan Mailboxes for Icebreakers

Free Activities for Kids in Helsinki

Museums Where Under 18s Get In Free

Update November 2025:
A pontoon bridge for pedestrians will be installed again from Merisatama wharf to Northern
Uunisaari on Monday 17.11.2025 (the bridge will be in use by Monday at the latest at 2 PM) and will be removed on 15.4.2026.

Want more visibility for your event at Pienten Helsinki?
Read more about our media kit!